Unbiased Review: Laguna LD-1 Little Brat 3/4 Mini Acoustic Travel Guitar

[Sterling Indigo]

When comparing mini acoustic guitars recently, I stumbled across the Laguna LD1. I found out it's Guitar Center's corporate brand made exclusively for them and I think it's fair to mention that I am of no relation to either the brand or company. It was actually my very first time in a Guitar Center!

I went in looking specifically for the MIM Little Martin LX1, but I didn't really bond with the look of their Stratabond neck that did not include fretboard dots (only side markers). I did like Martin's solid top and strap hooks. It also sounded great and felt more substantial (weighty for a small thing) than the others I compared. The Martin had a really nice gig bag and was $299.

The MIM Baby Taylor was nice but, that thin neck joint had me worried. I didn't like the two fretboard screws either. Taylor has a carved back which made it project and sustain nicely, solid top, nice gig bag, fretboard dots, also for $299.

I also tried the Indonesian made Yamaha JR1 which had a nice looking aging toner look to it's solid top, pickguard, nicer dove tail neck, fretboard dots, strap hooks (not that you need them with a smaller guitar) and was the cheapest at $139 with a thin gig bag.

Then I saw the Laguna LD-1, also made in Indonesia. It stood out in appearance with its abalone rosette and headstock inlays. No gig bag or strap hook on the neck but it sounded absolutely incredible with lots of projection and piano-like, swirly sustain.

I'll admit, I'm kind of a brand name guy myself so despite never having heard of the Laguna brand before, I was really quite impressed. This guitar even had a bound neck and double bound body! Additional features include; fretboard dots and side markers, solid top, x-bracing and carved back. I was so impressed with the quality of sound, I asked the guy to let me compare with one from new stock. So, he opened up a sealed carton and once tuned, voila, same awesome experience! $199 was the GC price on the Laguna LD-1 Little Brat.

Aside from the missing gig bag and strap button; if you're looking for a mini acoustic guitar that sounds as terrific as it looks, check out the Laguna Little Brat. It has amazing rich tone and is feature rich at a medium price point.

[RiverDog]

Cool! I've nver seen one of these but thanks for the review. Next time I wander into GC I'll have to check one out.

[KevinB]

I've been thinking of a "mini-acoustic" for a while now too. It would be nice as a "travel" guitar as I'm not so keen on taking my Martin or Guild out in very hot or cold weather.

Last year I bought a Yamaha JR1 as a gift for my nephew's 8 year old. For what it is, and what it costs, it seemed a perfect starter guitar but I want something better for myself. I did try a Baby Taylor, and as impressed as I was with the tone and projection, I just couldn't get past those two large screws through the fretboard (although I've heard that they make shimming the neck very easy).

Next time I'm in a GC, I'll see if they have a Laguna LD-1 in stock. From your description, it sounds just about perfect.

[mudbean]

Nice review, thanks Sterling.

At Casa de MudBean, we've also got a Yamaha Junior 1, purchased for my daughter (7 y.o.) - yes, it's excellent, for a toy guitar. My little one can shred "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" like no one's business.

I have a Crafter TRV23 travel size. Now, this is a nice one - Solid Sitka top, well-made, pretty. I see them for around $250.

mud

[Sterling Indigo]

The other solid top mini acoustic I really wanted to compare was out of stock ($299 street with gig bag): Morgan Monroe Creekside MMV-5 with solid top, x-bracing, micro dot inlays and bound neck with full heel, made in China (I believe).

I do recall picking one up at Elderly once. I remember thinking it was a good build with lots of features for being Chinese. Alas, it was not available to compare with the others.

Two more quick but important intangibles about the Laguna that are worth mentioning; it has an incredible real wood smell that you have to experience to believe and if you hum an open D into the soundhole, the whole thing comes alive resonating and humming back like a cave of Himalayan monks! The carved back design acts as an echo chamber swirling those notes around like a snifter of fine cognac.

[KevinB]

A "cave of Himalayan monks"! That's quite a visual!

Thanks, I'll look for the Morgan Monroe too. Just about all the new Chinese acoustics I've seen have shown exemplary build quality (Blueridge, Guild GAD, Epi Masterbilt, etc).